As the Punjab Assembly elections approach, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is embroiled in a significant controversy following rape accusations against Amarjit Singh Chawla, a prominent party figure and former member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. Despite the Akal Takht’s decision to excommunicate him, some party members continue to express their support for Chawla.
In an unusual display of backing for someone facing such serious allegations, former Akali MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha publicly cast doubt on the credibility of the accuser and questioned her version of events concerning the alleged assault. Additionally, SGPC member Rajinder Singh Mehta conveyed his support for Chawla while affirming his respect for the Akal Takht’s ruling.
The unfolding situation has prompted scrutiny regarding the circumstances surrounding the arrival of the woman from Bahrain, her extended stay at an SGPC-managed sarai near Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, and the alleged involvement of senior Akali leaders in facilitating her trip to India.
An FIR (No. 149) was filed at Anandpur Sahib on August 21, stemming from the woman’s allegations against Chawla, which include rape, wrongful confinement, and criminal intimidation. Chawla has refuted these claims, asserting that he has been wrongfully accused, and has hinted at forthcoming disclosures that may shed light on the situation.
The allegations gained public attention when SAD spokesperson Roop Kaur Sandhu hosted a live session on Facebook with the accuser. During this exchange, the woman reiterated her claims against Chawla but later retracted her statement accusing SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami of ignoring her complaints, explaining that this led her to go to the police.
In response to the gravity of the situation, the Akal Takht swiftly acted on September 20, with Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj excommunicating both Chawla and additional head Granthi Malkit Singh. Chawla later criticized this decision, labeling it as rushed and claiming he was denied a fair opportunity to present his side of the story.
The controversy extends beyond the initial rape allegations. According to the woman’s statements in subsequent videos, she was allegedly brought to India from Bahrain to “expose” a member of the SAD. She claimed to have been detained at the airport upon her arrival due to an old case, preventing her from fulfilling her purported mission. The woman alleged that Valtoha and SAD candidate Sarabjit Singh Jhinjer arranged her travel, a claim Valtoha has denied.
Following her arrival, the woman reportedly spent several months at Bhai Bachittar Singh Niwas, an SGPC facility at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, where she alleged she received a vehicle and support staff during her stay. This has raised concerns among rival Sikh groups regarding the allocation of SGPC resources. On September 24, Giani Harpreet Singh, president of Akali Dal (Punar Surjit), questioned SGPC president Dhami about the rationale behind accommodating a foreign national at the sarai and providing her with transport and services, as well as her relevance to Sikh history or research.
The Alliance of Sikh Organisations has also raised issues regarding her extended stay and the use of SGPC vehicles and drivers, seeking clarification on whether these arrangements were sanctioned.
Chawla, who began his political journey with the All India Sikh Students Federation, has held a long-standing association with the SGPC and has been involved in managing the affairs at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib for many years. He was present during the 1984 Operation Blue Star and was subsequently imprisoned in Jodhpur alongside other detainees. Throughout the years, he remained closely aligned with the Badal family and SAD, even as numerous prominent Akali leaders distanced themselves from the party following the sacrilege incidents of 2015.
Valtoha, while accepting the Akal Takht’s ruling against Chawla, defended his colleague vigorously. He questioned the accuser’s narrative, suggesting that her claims of enduring prolonged sexual assault are inconsistent with her reported activities outside the premises. “It is perplexing that someone who allegedly faced such abuse for six months remained quiet for an extended period, despite attending court hearings and traveling to multiple cities,” he stated.
Valtoha also mentioned the complainant’s previous legal issues, arguing that she has a history of filing fraudulent cases to extort individuals.
The political implications of this controversy have added complexity to the situation. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has criticized the SGPC’s internal investigation into the allegations and has called for an independent police or judicial inquiry. In response, Valtoha accused the ruling party of exploiting the issue for political gain, asserting that only the Punjab Director General of Police has the authority to establish a Special Investigation Team.
In a notable development, the SAD expelled Roop Kaur Sandhu from its primary membership on September 29, citing “indiscipline.” Prior to her expulsion, Sandhu indicated that other women had come forward with their own experiences following the controversy, hinting at further disclosures involving notable figures.
Additionally, a look-out circular has been issued for Chawla, who departed for Canada on August 14. The FIR against him, registered on August 21 at the Anandpur Sahib police station, includes charges of rape, wrongful confinement, and criminal intimidation under various sections of the law.
Kamaldeep Singh Brar serves as a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, focusing on the Amritsar and Majha region of Punjab. He plays a vital role in covering stories related to the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, and critical socio-political issues impacting the border region.
